LOI: Cup Action Takes Over End Of Season Schedule

There’s a busy weekend of League Of Ireland card this weekend, complimented by Sunday’s FAI Cup semi final double header, which pits Shamrock Rovers against Derry City and St Patrick’s Athletic against Finn Harps. Onto the league action.

Cork City –v- Drogheda United 7:45

Title chasing Cork City play Drogheda United at Turner’s Cross.

Goals from Mark O’Sullivan and Billy Dennehy were enough to give Cork City a 2-1 win over Sligo Rovers last week. That win keeps them second, three points behind Dundalk. Cork will be fully aware of the importance of not dropping points in their final games, for if they drop even one it could be season over.

Drogheda only managed a 1-1 draw with Bray Wanderers last week. Despite that result, the Louth side are sitting comfortably in eighth position. The season is over for them now, all they are doing is playing out the remaining games in a professional manner.

Prediction: Home win

Limerick –v- Athlone Town 7:45

Limerick play host to relegation threatened Athlone Town at Thomond Park.

A 2-0 away defeat at Bohemians last week would have come as a surprise to away specialists Limerick. Their away form has been superb, much superior to their efforts at Thomond Park. They will need that form as they take on a team fighting for their lives or will they be true to form and struggle at home yet again.

Athlone’s 1-1 draw with Derry City last week was enough to keep touch with UCD but not enough to overtake them in the league. With only one point separating the sides, Athlone will feel confident that they have enough to overtake them and fight for their survival in a relegation play-off.

Prediction: Draw

Sligo Rovers –v- UCD 7:45

Sligo Rovers face off against relegation battling UCD at the Showgrounds.

A 2-1 defeat against Cork City last week would have been disappointing but unsurprising for Sligo Rovers. This week’s fixture leaves them much more optimistic and could help them end what has been a thoroughly miserable season on a high.

A 2-0 defeat to Dundalk on Friday and a 3-0 defeat to Shamrock Rovers on Tuesday, it has not been a good week for UCD. Another defeat could leave them sitting bottom of the league and in prime position for automatic relegation. The students tend to end seasons well. It hasn’t worked like that so far but that form is needed now more than ever.